Thank you. Good afternoon. Orders of the day. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Mr. Kakfwi.

Thank you, Mr. Kakfwi. Ministers' statements. Mr. Arlooktoo.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Earlier this month, I had the privilege of participating in an important step in the development of a meaningful and effective justice system in Nunavut. A retreat and conference called Towards Justice that Brings Peace, was held at the beginning of September near Rankin Inlet. The retreat was part of the planning process for a justice model that will meet the unique needs of the people of Nunavut. Four themes dominated the conference:

- Community Justice Initiatives (prevention and diversion);

- Alternatives to Incarceration (after conviction);

- Supporting Justices of the Peace as Community Leaders; and

- Healing, Counselling and the Justice System.

Almost 60 people participated in the conference. They came from communities across Nunavut. Community participants were joined by representatives from the federal and territorial Departments of Justice, delegates from the office of the Interim Commissioner, and other elders, justices of the peace, and finally, senior judge of the Supreme Court of the Northwest Territories, Mr. Justice Richard. The Member of Parliament for Nunavut, Ms. Nancy Karetak-Lindell was at the retreat, as well, to provide the opening address.

The conference looked at how it was in the past - traditional approaches and values; how the conference themes are dealt with in present times; and how the present system could be improved to better reflect the time-tested values and traditions of the past. Group discussions were held on the land in a traditional setting. The site was very peaceful and consistent with allowing the Inuit perspective on the justice themes to be freely expressed, respectfully considered, and thoughtfully and appropriately applied to the present system.

Mr. Speaker, I had the privilege of observing the group discussions. Excellent, well thought out recommendations were made on all the themes. These recommendations are vital to creating an appropriate justice system for Nunavut. I was particularly pleased with the effort of all the groups and the respect and considerations shown for each others view. The Nunavut Social Development Council was tasked with organizing this event. I must commend the council for their good work and offer sincere thanks to the people of Rankin Inlet and the many volunteers for their hospitality and hard work that ensured that this would be such a successful event. It was a positive and meaningful experience for all involved. More importantly, the recommendations will help the Nunavut government develop and build on a justice system that brings peace and harmony to all the people of Nunavut. The Department of Justice was proud to be a part of this significant milestone. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

Thank you, Mr. Arlooktoo. Ministers' statements. Mr. Ng.

Mr. Speaker, as Members know, the Department of Health and Social Services recently completed our strategic plan entitled, Shaping Our Future: A Strategic Plan for Health and Wellness. Late last month, I distributed this plan to all Members of this House. In addition, the plan is being distributed to boards, GNWT departments, Health and Social Services Ministries across the country and other interested agencies.

A summary of the plan is available to the public at their local health and social services office or from their board. The plan is also posted on the department's world wide web site. My purpose today, Mr. Speaker, is to provide a brief overview of the implementation of the plan. During the next few years, the people of the north face historic change. Shaping Our Future provides a framework for the governments of Nunavut and the Western Territory to develop effective and sustainable health and social services systems that will meet people's needs well into the next century. While the two new governments are developing, the plan will provide a means to focus on our most pressing health and social issues.

Shaping Our Future is a commitment to make improvements where they are needed and to keep the things that are working well. We know that many factors influence health and well-being including:

- Level of income, education and social status;

- Support networks among families, friends and the community;

- Physical environment, including the home, work place and community;

- Personal health practices, lifestyle choices and coping skills;

- Cultural identity; and

- Physical characteristics or traits inherited from our parents.

Different factors are more important during the different stages of our lives. For example, nutrition and good parenting are very important for childhood growth and development. Strong social supports and good role models are important for youth as they move from childhood into adulthood. Meaningful work and self-sufficiency are important to adults. Seniors need strong ties to family, community and culture. Problems in any of these areas can lessen well-being. Recognition of these environmental factors is at the forefront in implementing Shaping Our Future. The strategic plan also reflects the need to shift from an acute care focus to one that balances the need for treatment with the need to promote well-being, prevention and improving social conditions. All existing departmental initiatives and activities are being reviewed to ensure that they support the strategic directions outlined in the plan.

We are developing new initiatives that reflect the changing environment in which we live and support the direction outlined in Shaping Our Future. These initiatives include:

- A comprehensive human resource plan,

- Children and youth services reform,

- Board and governance reform, and

- Partnering with other departments to coordinate social policy and to improve social programming

Some work is ongoing. For example, we are developing a Mental Health Strategy and a Health Promotion Strategy to address coordination and gaps in service delivery for these areas. And, of course, Mr. Speaker, the plan is being used as the basis for developing both department and board business plans for the fiscal year 1999-2000. However, we recognize that much work remains to be done.

We are conducting meetings this fall with territorial organizations and departments to discuss strategies and new alliances that will incorporate community needs and priorities. We will work with communities to create opportunities and services needed to support people in regions and communities where they live. We are developing a schedule not only for implementing the strategic plan but also establishing a means to monitor progress.

We recognize the need to assess health and social outcomes as indicators of program and service effectiveness. In order to accomplish this we are working to increase our ability to identify, collect and analyze information that can be used to make continuous improvements to the health and social system. These activities highlight the department's renewed commitment to address our health and social challenges and meet the changing needs of our citizens. These activities show that we are prepared to act on the directions spelled out in our strategic plan. We believe that the work that went into this plan, and the work that continues, will allow a stable beginning for the two new governments. For the future, we need to keep our commitment to the people by making sure that health and social issues remain a government priority. Mr. Speaker, we look forward to working with the public and our partners to meet the needs of northerners with innovation, cooperation and collaboration.

--Applause

Thank you, Mr. Ng. Ministers' statements. Mr. Kakfwi.

Thank you. Ministers' statements. Mr. Arlooktoo.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This summer Yellowknife and surrounding areas had some of the worst smoke and forest fire problems this region has seen in many years. Everyone in the area was affected in some way, especially living on or around the Ingraham Trail. Resources to fight these fires were at a premium. All the firefighters who worked so hard to contain or extinguish these fires deserve our warmest thanks. I would like to take this chance today to make special mention of a group of volunteers from the Yellowknife Correctional Centre who gave much needed support and assistance in battling these blistering blazes. Starting on July 22, 1998, 22 inmates helped firefighters for seven days on the front lines at Fire 42 located at Discovery Lake. Later, a crew of ten inmates worked with firefighters for ten days on the front lines at Fire 29 located at Tibbet Lake.

Front line fire crew supervisors spoke very highly of the work done by the inmates. They were so impressed by the level of competency shown by the inmates that two training sessions have been arranged for the winter and spring to further develop the skills of those inmates interested in participating. These men also showed us how inmates can give something back to the larger community by helping to respond to emergencies like these forest fires. It not only helps the community, but also gives these inmates a sense of accomplishment and pride that forms such an important part of every offender's rehabilitation.

To the members of the Yellowknife Correctional Centre's fire suppression teams and indeed all the fire suppression teams who put themselves at risk to prevent property loss and human casualty, I extend a sincere thanks for all their efforts, and their successes in fighting these fires and protecting this region. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

Thank you. Ministers' statements. Mr. Dent.

Thank you. Ministers' statements. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Steen.

Thank you, Mr. Steen. Members' statements. Mr. Enuaraq.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon colleagues. I am sure that Members of the House are now aware that the proper cleanup of the old DEW Lines sites are a priority of mine. I have made several statements outlining my concerns and was informed by our territorial government that cleanup of the sites will be completed soon. This year, an evaluation team was scheduled to access the Cape Christian site. However, I recently learned that the federal government under the advisement of Environment Canada and the Canadian military, have proposed that current toxic waste laws be changed to allow for PCBs and other waste to be buried in the Arctic.

Year after year, the government had advised me efforts are underway to remove PCBs and other garbage from DEW Line sites. Some of the sites are located near communities where children could get injured or near traditional hunting and harvesting areas. Once the toxins get into the plants and animals, they are recycled through our fragile ecosystem. By ingesting local game, residents also ingest those same toxins.

Mr. Speaker, in the Northwest Territories, when people agree to do something, they do it. They do not tell you one thing and then do another. In the north a pat on the back is just that. Mr. Speaker, I wish to remind the territorial and federal government that each polluted abandoned DEW Line site represents a theft from the health of the northerners. Finally, Mr. Speaker, I wish to take this opportunity to remind both governments of their commitment to clean up all DEW Line sites according to the accepted environmental standards of nearby communities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Enuaraq. Members' statements. Mr. Ootes.

The Member for Yellowknife Centre is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Do we have any nays? There are no nays. Mr. Ootes, you have unanimous consent.

Shame. Shame.

Thank you. Members' statements. The honourable Member for Inuvik, Mr. Roland.

Thank you. Members' statements. The Member for Thebacha, Mr. Miltenberger.

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. The honourable Member for North Slave, Mr. Rabesca.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I would like to comment on the progress of Rae-Edzo airport project. If you recall, last year the Grand Chief, Joe Rabesca announced that as a result of lack of commitment from this government, the community of Rae-Edzo would start construction of its own airport. This project would be considered as on the job training for residents of Rae-Edzo, in order that these residents obtain marketable skills that could be used in the mining sector, et cetera.

I would like to inform you today that there are currently 15 residents working and training at the airport site. Work is progressing at a fairly good rate. There is still a problem securing support for this project. We feel we are demonstrating our seriousness, dedication to this project and would hope that this government can provide support for what we are doing. This project's main focus is to provide training to residents to allow them the opportunity to get employment in the mining sector or within the region. This is very beneficial in the area of high unemployment as we continue to experience. We gain a more knowledgable work force but also gives hope to residents who are currently on income support or nothing at all. This is a very positive project and I would hope that the government supports its residents of Rae-Edzo to complete this project. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

Thank you. Members' statements. The Member for Kivallivik, Mr. O'Brien.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to tip my hat to my colleague Mr. Picco and Mr. Jerry Ell, Chairman of the Qikiqtaaluk Corporation. Mr. Speaker, today these gentlemen announced a joint venture agreement with a Chinese Crown Corporation for the sale of seal, fish, fox and other renewable resources. Mr. Speaker, this joint venture will not only benefit the Baffin region, but could also have great benefits for my riding and the Keewatin people in general. Thank you.

--Applause

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Picco.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Mr. O'Brien. Mr. Speaker, as Mr. O'Brien just said, this morning with the Honourable John Todd and the Qikiqtaaluk Corporation, Jerry Ell, and Mr. Han Shood, CEO of the China/High Jung International Project Corporation of China, via telephone from New York, we made a very exciting announcement for the people of Nunavut and the Northwest Territories. An agreement has been reached with the Qikiqtaaluk Corporation and this Chinese Corporation to look at the development and export of seal pelts, oil and meat. Mr. Speaker, additionally other sustainable harvest of arctic white fox, shrimp, turbot and the possible development of a rendering plant to be constructed has been discussed. Mr. Speaker, the 800 million plus population in China is an incredible market place to access. The potential here is unlimited, Mr. Speaker.

In conversation with some of my Nunavut colleagues in this House, we are excited by the possibilities of this development. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the honourable Mr. Todd and especially, Mr. Morin, our Premier who had the foresight last year to actually go to China and make the initial contacts with these people. Mr. Speaker, sometimes we have to spend money at the front end to make money at the back end.

--Applause

Mr. Speaker, this is indeed, good news for all of Nunavut and for the fur harvesters in Nunavut and in the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

Thank you, Mr. Picco. Members' statements. Mr. Barnabas.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Women's Auxiliary Groups in small communities. Since this government cut the compassionate travel and escort travel the Women's Auxiliary Group have done all they can to raise funds through fund raising. The immediate family has to travel to meet the need of the ill person or the family or to attend a funeral in a different community. Many times relatives have to travel from Grise Fiord, Resolute Bay, Arctic Bay or to other communities in the High Arctic without volunteer groups like the Women's Auxiliary Group travel would not be possible. It is something that the Nunavut government would have to review on April 1, 1999.

In conclusion, I would like to thank the Minister responsible for the Women's Directorate, Honourable Manitok Thompson for assisting these groups when they are in much need of assistance. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Evaloarjuk.

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I rise to voice my support for the community of Pond Inlet and their education council request. With local support from their hamlet council, the new school that will be built has a gymnasium which was designed inadequately. For clarification, the school in Pangnirtung is the same design as the one in Pond Inlet, but the gymnasium is larger. We are all aware of the ongoing cost of inflation each year. If there is a delay in renovating this building, it will eventually cost all that much more in the future.

Another example is the school in Cape Dorset which is adequate, but this is not the case in the higher Arctic communities. If we had adequate facilities for recreation in Pond Inlet, people from other communities would be more apt to visit and use the building. Mr. Speaker, I would like to point out that I am not against the communities in the Baffin region, namely Pangnirtung and Cape Dorset, but I am voicing concerns expressed by my constituents.

At the appropriate time, I will be raising questions to the Minister responsible regarding the school in Pond Inlet. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (Translation ends)

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Arlooktoo.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to express my appreciation to the Honourable Stephen Kakfwi for his important announcement earlier on the upcoming carvers conference in October. I would like to thank the Minister and his staff for the hard-work they put into ensuring that this important economic issue is dealt with. I can say on behalf of the carvers in my constituency that they are very much appreciative that the Minister shares their concern and demonstrated that he is prepared to do what he can with the Department of Renewable Resources to assist them. Earlier this morning, Mr. Dent and I both gave speeches at the Prospects North conference here in Yellowknife and discussed economic opportunities arising as a result of division. It was a timely reminder that there are economic challenges to be addressed in advance of April 1, 1999. While I am confident that there are immense economic opportunities ahead, I have voiced my concern in the past about one key sector of the economy and that is the carving industry. All indicators are that there is a down turn in the carving industry and there is a great need to address this situation.

There is a high level of concern throughout Nunavut, and especially in the south Baffin communities that I represent, Kimmirut, Cape Dorset and Sanikiluaq. It goes without saying that carving not only fuels the imagination of carvers and their consumers, but also fuels the local economy. Carving has put food on the table, pays the bills and provides the only source of income for a large percent of my constituents. Mr. Speaker, it is my sincere hope that the upcoming carvers conference announced by Mr. Kakfwi will serve to identify the problems and outline solutions where carvers, community owned businesses, marketers and government can work together to improve the economy of these communities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you. Members' statements. The honourable Member for Hay River, Madam Groenewegen.

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Todd

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, with the sitting of the Legislative Assembly coming to an end in the next several days, I would like to take this opportunity to speak about an issue that is of growing concern to me. Mr. Speaker, we are six short months away from division of the Northwest Territories. The work to ensure that there are functioning governments in both territories is a massive task. A great deal of work has been accomplished to date, and a great deal of work remains to be done. We have achieved the progress that has been made to date on this historic undertaking, Mr. Speaker, because we have been able to maintain a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect between the parties to this process. We have undertaken many complicated discussions and negotiations so far. They have occasionally been contentious and they have not been without differences of opinions. We have reached mutually satisfactory arrangements on a number of difficult issues because all of the players have demonstrated a fundamental and abiding respect for the objectives of division and the individual and different desires of the various groups at the table. It is, therefore, disappointing to me on a personal level to detect that the good will which has brought us this far is beginning to erode as the time for division draws near.

I am hearing comments in this House and outside of it which serve to entrench positions based on east or west. Equally disturbing are comments that question the rule or the motivations of others in the process. As well, I am hearing discussions in the public that suggest to me there is increasing polarization of opinion east and west reflective of narrow self interest rather than the concern for the greater good of the residents of the NWT. For example, preliminary estimates indicate, I am told, that the division of the NWT Power Corporation will result in a rate increase of between seven to ten percent in the Eastern Arctic and 5.7 percent in the west. This means, Mr. Speaker, that a family struggling to pay a power bill of $300 a month will see an increase of over $320 a year to their power bill in the east and $205 in the west.

Mr. Speaker, as division approaches it is only appropriate that the Members of this House and the parties to division and that residents from both Nunavut and the western Northwest Territories begin to focus on the future of their respective territories. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude the rare statements I make as an Ordinary Member.

Thank you. Mr. Todd is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Do we have any nays? There are no nays. Mr. Todd, you have unanimous consent to conclude your statement.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker and thank you colleagues. Mr. Speaker, as division approaches it is only appropriate that Members of this House, the parties to division and residents from both Nunavut and the western Northwest Territories begin to focus on the future of the respective territories. The people of Nunavut are rightly excited about the possibilities that a new territory presents. So too should the residents of the western Northwest Territories be excited about the unique opportunity they have to redefine how government is delivered in the west.

However, Mr. Speaker as we move closer to April 1st we would do well to remember that the people in Nunavut and the western Northwest Territories will continued to be joined by much more than a common history. The bonds and the special relationship we have as Northerners will not disappear with a simple establishment of a boundary. Our mutual interest are too many and varied for that to occur. We have been able to move a long way down the path of division without individual self interest and narrow political agendas making the job more difficult. It is my hope that in the next six months that all Members of this House will continue to work together in the best interest of all people in the Northwest Territories no matter which side of the boarder we live on. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Erasmus.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about an university/college entrance program. Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Finance had wanted some ideas on how to spend any surplus money and in keeping with the motion that had been passed last session that we should spend money on education, I am making a specific recommendation that this government should develop and deliver a one-year university/college entrance preparation program. Currently, the federal government does fund certain students to upgrade and gain admission into university and college. This program has been evolving since 1968. The problems are first, that all long-term Northerners do not get funding for this program. The second problem and probably even more outstanding, is the fact that the north does not deliver such a program here so people receiving this funding could enrol in a program. The problem now is that this money is just being used for upgrading and other students are going south to receive their university and college preparation.

The solution as I am saying is that the government needs to develop and deliver a university/college entrance program which would refresh students academically who have been out of school for a long time, teach them success skills for learning, how to learn, how to study, how to manage their time and very importantly how to do research and how to write a paper. Without these skills, students have a very difficult time surviving university or college. The program I envision would be funded by student financial assistance for one year and it would be for all long-term Northerners. I have talked to the college, it would be relatively simple to implement such a course and would be relatively cheap as well.

Mr. Speaker, we simply cannot continue to send people to college or university without the tools to succeed. Too many have had bad experiences and never go back. It is a waste of money, time and human resources. We need to ensure that long-term Northerners have the tools to get off income support and to work for this government if they so wish. Mr. Speaker, a UCEP program is one way to do that. Thank you.

--Applause

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Henry.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, recently I had the opportunity to drive the Mackenzie Highway from Yellowknife to Alberta. I must say, the condition on the portion of the highway south of Rae has certainly improved over the past number of years. I recently addressed the issue of increasing the speed limit on the highway portion south of Rae to the Alberta boarder as this portion of the road is certainly comparable to highways in neighbouring provinces. However, I am dismayed at the condition of the highway between Rae and Yellowknife, quite frankly Mr. Speaker, this portion of the highway is a mess and an embarrassment to the citizens of the Northwest Territories.

During my trip I had the opportunity to meet with fellow travellers and tourist to the north. They too are dismayed at the condition of the highway and I listened to their frustration caused by the condition of that particular road. One would think that a highway, especially to a capital city would improve as you neared the destination, not get worse. We have back roads around this community which are in better condition. I certainly see why the speed limit on this section is 90 kilometres and wonder just how many travellers actually can do that speed limit, I certainly could not Mr. Speaker. I am surprised we are not hearing of more accidents on this section of a major northern highway.

I raise this issue, Mr. Speaker, in the House today to create awareness to my fellow colleagues who may not have had the opportunity to travel this section of the highway and also to state to the Minister of Transportation that this section of the highway urgently needs addressing. Later today, I will be addressing some questions to the Minister on that portion. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

Thank you, Mr. Henry. Members' statements. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Madame Thompson.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have a return to an oral question asked by Mr. Steen on September 16, 1998, on additional funding on purchase of calcium chloride for Tuktoyaktuk.

Under the Municipal Operating Assistance Program, the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs provides funding to communities for road maintenance and dust control. To maintain fairness and equity in the distribution of the funding available for dust control, each community's share is determined by a formula that is based on the total kilometres of eligible roads within the community. This fiscal year, the hamlet of Tuktoyaktuk will receive $55,067 for dust control purposes.

The department is aware of the hamlet's request for additional funding for dust control this year. Staff from the department's regional office are working with the community to review this problem. Should the inventory of eligible roads in Tuktoyaktuk be greater than previously calculated, an adjustment will be considered in future years. Thank you.

Thank you, honourable Minister. Returns to oral questions. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Mr. Enuaraq.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize Joelie Sanguya from Clyde River. Joelie Sanguya was a teacher in Clyde River for so many years. Thank you.

--Applause.

Thank you. Welcome to the Assembly. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Madame Thompson.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to recognize my son, Trevor Kusugak Thompson, in the yellow jacket. He would also like to say hi to his friends in Rankin Inlet and Coral Harbour.

--Applause.

Thank you. Welcome to the Assembly. We all say hi to his friends in Rankin Inlet. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Steen.

Thank you. I heard two questions. The honourable Minister for Health and Social Services, Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I will check with the information the honourable Member has provided in respect to the issue if, in fact, there is a concern about meningitis. I would like to assure the Member and his constituents if there is a situation, where there are immediate needs to be addressed because of an outbreak of some form of virus or infectious diseases, certainly the resources would be put into that community right away to contain and deal with that. That is our obligation to address that need.

In respect to the question about reporting back on the situation, the status of Tuktoyaktuk, his health centre. I have no problems with doing that, Mr. Speaker. We will get the information as fast as we can and report back. Thank you.

Thank you. Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Steen.

Thank you. Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we will put it together as quickly as we can. If we fail to be able to provide it before the House recesses, then certainly the information will be provided as soon as possible. After that, whether it is directly, in written correspondence or verbally or both. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you. Second supplementary, Mr. Steen.

Thank you. Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am not certain of which team of individuals the honourable Member refers to, but I can speak in respect on the Health and Social Services side. When the issue of all the concerns that came out of the Keewatin as a result of activities that are taking place, we made a commitment to establish a board support system with the department that works directly with boards. That is why we are cognizant of the issue of the recruitment and retention issue that we are facing right now, particularly in the nursing section throughout the territories.

In response, that unit is still available and working with the boards to gather the information and to try to assist in putting together a work plan to address the issue. There is also another aspect of the whole recruitment and retention plan, was having a pool of health professionals available to be based, first of all in Stanton, here in Yellowknife, to be accessible primarily to their service area right now and to provide some relief when it is required for communities or health centres that may be under stress as a result of having a shortage of health care personnel. That unit is still being in the process of being established. I do not know exactly to date how many people they have on site or available. I will check into that and report back. Thank you.

Thank you. Oral questions. The Member for Hay River, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Thank you. The Minister for the Financial Management Board, Mr. Todd.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will endeavour to get to my colleague as I did the other day, as quickly as possible, the answer to the question she raised and I could not answer the other day as quickly as I can. I am really confused. I think what my colleague is saying is the strategy we are putting in place and the monies we are spending, which I disagree with her on, I think it is money well spent, is that expenditure critical to get into the tax window and to get into some of these other initiatives. I think that is what being said. I believe it is, Mr. Speaker.

We have simply got to build the case and document and coordinate an overall approach to the federal government. It is no different than spending $2 million on a road strategy. Mr. Antoine simply has got to take a look at the technical aspects of it, the feasibility aspects of it, the political aspect of it, et cetera. It is no different than what we are doing here.

With all due respect to my colleague, I disagree. I think this money is well spent. From what I have seen so far, in my discussions with the public and the response I had, as early as today, the numerous phone calls I have got, there seems to be support for it and it is money being well spent. Now I hope I have been able to answer the question. Thank you.

Thank you. Supplementary, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Thank you. Mr. Todd.

Mr. Speaker, I am extremely reluctant, as everybody knows in this House, to take questions as notice, but I better take this one as notice and have a discussion with my honourable colleague so I can fully understand what she requires, and be able to provide in the House, exactly what she is requiring because at this stage of the game, with all due respect, I thought I had explained it. So I will take the question as notice.

Thank you. The question has been taken as noticed. Oral questions. Mr. Henry.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the Minister responsible for Transportation, Mr. Antoine. In my Member's statement today, I spoke about the poor condition of the highway between Rae-Edzo and Yellowknife. I would like to ask the Minister of Transportation, Mr. Antoine, if he could provide this House with a brief update of the work planned to upgrade this highway and bring it up to standard of the highway, which is in excellent condition south of Rae? Could he address the amount of money that was approved in the Legislature last February? I would appreciate some background. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you. The honourable Minister for Transportation, Mr. Antoine.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in the reconstruction of Highway 3 from the Rae turnoff to Yellowknife, the funding for beginning of this construction was approved in this Legislative Assembly last budget session. The department's capital plan, was proposed to start construction this fall. We have made arrangements to begin clearing from the Rae turnoff this way to about Stagg River, which is about 15 kilometres and from Yellowknife towards Rae another section. We have negotiated with the Dogrib Corporation out of Rae to do some clearing and we have negotiated with the band from Yellowknife to do some clearing on the Yellowknife end of it. That work will start this fall and later on this fall, there will be a public-tender issued to begin the actual start of the work. They will be working in the fall after freeze-up in these two areas. Thank you.

Thank you. Oral question. Supplementary, Mr. Henry.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Minister may recall there were other highways and work on highways and upgrades also approved in that budget. Could the Minister give us an update on where those particular improvements are at this stage, compared to the sections he mentioned from Rae and from Yellowknife? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Antoine.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, if the honourable Member could be more specific about his question? He mentioned he wanted to compare the beginning of the construction of the highway between Edzo to Yellowknife compared to other projects. It would be worthwhile for me to know specifically which project he is making reference to. Thank you.

Thank you. Mr. Henry.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I was wanting the Minister to give us some information on why it is taking so long. If this budget was approved last February, why is it taking so long to see some action on the construction of this highway? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Henry. The microphone was off when you made that last sentence. Perhaps I will allow the Minister to answer and take it from there. Mr. Antoine.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Rae-Edzo section of this highway has been tendered as a design built contract and the requests for proposals was submitted to three project teams who pre-qualified through a call for expressions of interest. The proposal calls will close on October 14th with a tentative award date for November 12th. It is expected that the successful team which would start construction in December with completion of construction scheduled for July 15, 2000. The Yellowknife section has been designed by the Department of Transportation staff and it has been scheduled to publicly start tendering on October 26th. It is anticipated that construction of this section will start in December of this year with a completion in March 2000.

Mr. Speaker, the application for land use permits were submitted for each separate section of the project which was to be tendered this year. Upon receipt of these applications, DIAND ruled that the Department of Transportation could not apply for permits for separate sections, but must apply for a land use permit for the entire section of Highway 3 from Edzo to Yellowknife.

Mr. Speaker, the department had done some intensive work on the two specific sections and made two separate applications, but DIAND ruled that we should make one big application for the entire length, so the department had to do some more work between the two sections that were out there. This ruling resulted in a complicated process with extended timelines and that required the Department of Transportation to obtain and provide information for the middle section of the highway, as well, even though it is not scheduled to be tendered until future years.

To date, the Department of Transportation has not obtained a land use permit and is currently working to obtain additional information required for the process. This caused some delays because of the necessity to obtain the land use permit and it was necessary to redefine the scope of the work on the Yellowknife end of the project. As a result, the late tendering dates for both projects allows additional time to obtain this land use permit. Although the Department of Transportation does not currently have the permit, we expect that....

That is a lot of detail for oral questions. I think the honourable Minister has answered the question. Mr. Henry, would you like the use of the final supplementary? Mr. Henry.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, if I understood the Minister correctly, he suggested that he had anticipated the work would begin in December of this year and it would be completed in the year 2000. Could the Minister explain why it is going to take so long? He did suggest that this is a multi-year project and if a similar amount is approved in next year's budget, or is accelerated, we are going to have a lot of overlaps. How does the Minister propose to handle this? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you. Mr. Antoine.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, these two projects are multi-year contracts, as the honourable Member indicated. The Rae-Edzo section is a design built and we have a request for proposals out there. This is a two-year project and the amount of money which we have allocated for it will require reconstruction. As you know, to rebuild that section of the road, because it is in the precambrian shield similar to the terrain around Yellowknife, is very difficult. It is not like the section from Edzo south where you do not have any rocks. I guess that is why my predecessors left it until the very end to complete because it is very difficult. My understanding of the amount of money that we spend on the average between Edzo and down south is about $300,000 per kilometre and I understand that the section we are going to build is going to be three times that amount per kilometre. We are looking at a different type of terrain that we have not done and we need two years to complete the work that was approved in the House. Thank you.

Thank you. The honourable Member for Yellowknife North, Mr. Erasmus.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Health and Social Services. It is in regard to a "light treatment program" at Stanton Hospital. Mr. Speaker, last year we learned that the hospital was going to access a light treatment machine and program to treat eczema and other skin conditions that give some people a lot of problems. We were told that it would probably be put into effect this fall and I am just wondering if the Minister could reassure us that this program has actually gone into effect.

Thank you. The Minister for Health and Social Services, Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I thank the honourable Member for giving me a bit of advance notice on this issue in order to give us an opportunity to check on it. It is light treatment for psoriasis and eczema. It is my understanding, after having my staff confirm with the Stanton Regional Health Board personnel, that they are slated to put it into effect in late November or December. As it stands now, they are 90 per cent sure that the program will be run out of the clinic at the medical centre. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you. Oral questions. The honourable Member for Kivallivik, Mr. O'Brien.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question is to the Minister responsible for Division, Mr. Todd. Some time ago in Rankin Inlet, we discussed the decentralized model and the various jobs that would be transferred to the various communities and so forth. As of this date, I do not believe we have heard what the final plan is or the final modifications or changes to the decentralized model. Could the Minister update us as to where things stand to date?

Thank you, Mr. O'Brien. The Minister responsible for Division Secretariat, Mr. Todd.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I was just conferring with my colleague here, Mr. Arlooktoo. As I recollect, at the Rankin Inlet Summit, if you would like to call it that, we had asked at that time for the Interim Commissioner to outline to all parties what changes, if any, he was going to make in relationship to the Footprints in the Snow I and II. At that time it was not presented, but there was a commitment made by him to present that to the parties as quickly as possible. To date we have not received it, but it is my understanding that there is a meeting planned for early next week between Mr. Anawak, Mr. Kusugak and Mr. Arlooktoo and the federal Minister. I am hoping during that meeting that we will receive some paper which will indicate what changes, if any, he intends to make.

At the same time, I am hopeful that we will receive from Mr. Kusugak an update as to where the construction lies in relation to the infrastructure as some of that still needs to be done to meet the decentralized initiatives that the government and all parties support. Unfortunately, today I cannot give my honourable colleague a more clear reply than that, but I am optimistic that by the middle or by the end of next week either myself or Mr. Arlooktoo will be able to provide him and all Members in the House with an update as to where that lies. Thank you.

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. O'Brien.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, aside from not knowing which employees are going to be moved where, is the Minister aware of any thought being given to moving the various offices from one area to the other? Thank you.

Thank you. Mr. Todd.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as I said I am not aware of any changes at this stage of the game which have actually come to pass. I know there have been some discussions about the possibility of moving offices around. I thought that was what was going to be discussed in Rankin Inlet, but it was not. It was agreed that there would be further discussion and debate on it and I am optimistic that in Mr. Arlooktoo's meeting next week we will get some paper and some recommendations made by the Interim Commissioner so that we can translate this to all parties and either concur or not concur with it. Thank you.

Thank you. Oral questions. The honourable Member from Iqaluit, Mr. Picco.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I guess I would have been remiss earlier in saying that it was the Honourable Manitok Thompson who led the recent NWT Trade Mission to China and helped facilitate the meeting with Mr. Ell and I apologize. I would like to thank Minister Thompson for helping with that.

My question, Mr. Speaker, is for the Minister for Municipal and Community Affairs and concerns the status of Sport North and the division plans with Sport Nunavut. I wonder if the Minister could update this House at this time about Sport North? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you. The Minister for Municipal and Community Affairs, Madame Thompson.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the Member for his correction.

There are plans for the transition of two sports delivery systems. There is an interim board for Sport Nunavut at this time which was elected by the Nunavut members at the NWTAM that happened already. The interim board for Sport Nunavut will be guiding the creation of the two federations. It is also anticipated that Sport Nunavut will ratify the by-laws and the constitution and elect a full board at the next AGM, which will be held in May 1999. There is an interim board right now to deal with Sport Nunavut. Thank you.

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Picco.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, one of the concerns that we do have in Nunavut is the ability of Sport Nunavut to raise its own funds. To that end, over that last two years we have been able to open up 649 terminals in Cambridge Bay, Rankin Inlet and Iqaluit to help generate revenue. I am wondering if the Minister knows of any other type of revenue generation ideas or indeed more of these terminals being opened in Nunavut to help sustain Sport Nunavut? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you. Madame Thompson.

Thank you, Madame Thompson. Oral questions. The Honourable Member for Inuvik, Mr. Roland.

Thank you. The Minister for Education, Culture and Employment, Mr. Dent.